Admissions

Crucial Questions from John MacArthur

Dr. John MacArthur

I want to commend you for your interest in seminary training and especially for your interest in The Master’s Seminary.

Choosing the right seminary is crucial, for it will shape your thinking process in all future ministries. As I have always told young men, seminary should be a place where they enjoy spiritual, biblical and theological growth – not a battleground where they try to hold on to a remnant of their faith. Therefore, as you consider The Master’s Seminary or any other seminary, I would urge you to ask the following questions:

Does the seminary emphasize the expositional preaching and teaching of God’s inerrant Word in its curriculum?

Is the faculty unified on the doctrinal statement and purpose of the seminary?

Will the seminary reinforce my beliefs or will I have to fight for them?

Does the seminary stress excellence in the theological discipline which will equip me for a lifetime of understanding and proclaiming Scripture?

Does the seminary provide personalized discipleship with an emphasis on stimulating spiritual growth in both students and faculty members?

Does the seminary stress local church ministry involvement?

Does the seminary have a biblical approach to training men for expository preaching?

Does the location of the seminary offer opportunities for ministry involvement both culturally and cross-culturally?

Will the local economy provide employment opportunities?

Does the seminary have a solid history of effective placement service to ministry upon graduation?

Does the seminary provide a lifetime relationship and continuing education upon graduation?

Do I believe this seminary will best prepare me to fulfill God’s call on my life?

Does the faculty model the appropriate content of godly character, scholastic excellence and ministry commitment?

Is the faculty committed to a specialized writing ministry beyond the seminary classroom?

Does the seminary articulate a biblical philosophy of church ministry and worship?

Does the seminary train for spiritual leadership from a biblical perspective?

Is the seminary training conducted in the midst of a local church environment?

I know these questions will be helpful as you begin the process of seeking God’s direction for your future.

In November 1991, an accreditation team from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges visited our school for five days, updating our accreditation status. The faculty and staff were thrilled with the positive and affirming evaluation. The report was typified by the following statement:

“Given the fundamental focus of the Seminary, the structure of the M.Div. program seems well-oriented to its goals. The model itself–combining church-based involvement, personal discipleship, and academic study–is worth applauding, and it is not insignificant that at the level of degree structure, the Seminary is on the cutting-edge of reform in seminary education in this regard. . . All of the interviewed alumni expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program, believing that the Seminary prepared them well for the ministries in which they are currently involved.”